WARRINGTON Borough Council hasn’t even asked Lymm residents for their comments on the new parking, so I thought I would do it.

The most overwhelming outcome, which is of no surprise, is that people want their one-hour free parking back.

But what did come as a surprise to me is that many people actually don’t mind paying for parking if they need to stay in the village for longer.

It’s just that they felt the £1 entry point was too steep for 15 minutes or more.

There was also a lot of concern over the recent loss of the Post Office, which is particularly affecting passing trade for businesses and also there is dismay at the potential loss of Lymm library.

Some traders were already finding it tough, but the reduced footfall is making it worse.

One retailer said that they thought Warrington Borough Council was more like ‘Scrooge’ than Santa this Christmas.

Other councils such as Cyngor Gwyneddn in Wales have introduced free parking over the Christmas period.

The retailer then went on to say that she thought the council just uses Lymm as a ‘moneybag’ but that this time not only had it killed the golden goose it is now scrambling the eggs.

I think Warrington Borough Council has contravened the Traffic Management Act 2004.

This states that parking charges and fines should not be used as a ‘local tax’ and that all members of the community including residents, traders and the police should be consulted on traffic management needs, as well as economic needs.

I have asked for this case to go through to the council’s scrutiny committee for an independent review.

Meanwhile, Warrington Borough Council has said that it will continue to review the effect of the car park charges up until March.

Any comments or concerns over the car parking charge increases should be sent to Cllr Hans Mundry, who is in charge of highways, transportation and public realm at hmundry@warrington.gov.uk or write to New Town House, Buttermarket Street, Warrington, WA1 2NH.

Include your name and address with postcode.

LYMM PARISH COUNCILLOR ANNA FRADGLEY